Community-based participatory research in developing an obesity intervention in a rural county.

This research includes a study of body mass index (BMI) measurement for 11-year-old students (n = 174) within a rural county during the 2005-2006 academic year. School entry assessments were used to determine students' individual BMIs longitudinally and determine prevalence of risk of overweight (weighted for gender and age). Results were provided to county school districts and communities, which used the data to determine policy and curriculum changes related to school wellness program planning and development, develop wellness activities, and pursue funding support. This study has implications for data collection and school health program development within a rural setting.